Maiah Albi Essay

Maiah Albi

University of Oregon

April 11, 2006

America’s Need for Labor Unions

“Stands must be taken.  If I am to respect myself I have to search myself for what I believe is right and take a stand on what I find.  Otherwise I have not gathered together what I have been given; I have not embraced what I have learned; I lack my own conviction.”  Hugh Prather’s statement perfectly embodies the necessity for the continuation of labor unions.  The influence of writers such as Prather, and even revolutionary films such as “Norma Rae”, are effective in conveying the meaning and importance of labor unions in America.  By looking at the goals and accomplishments of labor unions past and present, the need for the continuation of these associations in the United States is strong and clear.

Significantly, labor unions defend the welfare systems of America.  Members of labor unions are safe in the comfort they are protected against immediate unemployment,and the costs of health care and old age, as well as similar expenses.  Members are given legal advice and representation, which is a colossal asset for workers and their families, particularly those who rely on their job’s income for the basic necessities of living.  Labor union workers also have the benefit of collective bargaining, which in many situations allows them to negotiate working conditions and wages with their employers. 

This ensures workers fair pay, hours, and treatment by employers.  Labor unions guarantee workers are not taken advantage of in the workplace, which commonly occurs in situations when power or control is present and abused.  Employees are able to maintain respect for themselves as well as for their employers when they feel comfortable and fairly treated in the workplace, which labor unions are capable of providing. 

Labor unions also allow for workers to take action when necessary to protect their rights.  They provide the opportunity to organize strikes or resist lockouts when inequality or unfair treatment arises.  Labor unions give workers a voice: they are able to speak and act freely when working conditions threaten their jobs or quality of life.  A specific example of a labor union strike with positive benefits in

Eugene, Oregon can be seen last year in the example of the Lane Transit District(LTD) bus strike.  A three-year contract resulted from the six-day strike, which gave workers a better working environment and funding to better service the community.  Before the strike, they effectively notified the community, and even offered suggested alternative temporary modes of transportation for those whose daily life relies on the bus system.  With the support and backing from the local community, the strike was organized, effective and successful, and earned the workers the benefits their work deserved.

Politically, labor unions are a necessity in the United States of America.  Many unions promote legislation or support political candidates.  This support and lobbying is necessary for many political campaigns, and ensure the nation’s leaders even more funding and support in order to achieve their goals through leadership.

Labor unions also influence society through alliances with activist organizations.

In the past, labor unions have raised issues of health care, immigrant rights and trade policies alongside activist organizations.  Their work and sphere of influence touched not only the labor union and its members, but continues to permeate the surrounding communities and nation as a whole.

Labor union work has proven to be beneficial for the nation’s children as well.

Union work in the past ended child labor and has continued to fight for children’s education.  Also, the effective reduction of hours in a workweek allows union members more time in the home and family and most importantly, with their children.

This increase in salary and time for the family has raised the nation’s standard of living.  Labor union workers can provide more without sacrificing quality time in the home.  Therefore, labor unions continue to provide for families who are thankful to be able to give the support and time necessary for a successful family and quality of life.

Not only has union work enabled increased wages and decreased hours, it ensures worker safety and equality.  Quality of life has risen as a direct result from the work and action of labor unions, and women specifically in labor unions have seen and increase in workplace equality as well.  Women have continued to earn fairer pay in relation to their male counterparts, and are protected and supported when they stand for their rights and refuse to accept discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

More than just the money, labor unions care about equality, freedom and protection. The unions empower the people to fight for and speak up for a fair and just working environment, without fear of rebuke or punishment.  Labor unions effectively establish dignity, self-worth among its workers and productive and flourishing businesses across the nation, and America in Solidarity perfectly embodies the unified spirit necessary to continue to provide a fair and just world for the workers of America.